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There, the signal stimulates the production of endocannabinoids, which initiates a surge in cell signalling that prompts the wanton intake of fatty foods, lead researcher Daniele Piomelli said.

This most likely occurs by initiating the release of digestive chemicals linked to hunger and satiety that compel us to eat more.

Professor Piomelli said that from an evolutionary standpoint, there's a compelling need for animals to consume fats, which are scarce in nature but crucial for proper cell functioning.

In contemporary human society, however, fats are readily available, and the innate drive to eat fatty foods leads to obesity, diabetes and cancer.

The findings suggest it might be possible to curb this tendency by obstructing endocannabinoid activity - for example, by using drugs that 'clog' cannabinoid receptors.

Since these drugs wouldn't need to enter the brain, they shouldn't cause the central side effects - anxiety and depression - seen when endocannabinoid signalling is blocked in the brain, Professor Piomelli added.

The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.